Ridge Meadows RCMP reported the lockdown just after noon via its Facebook page and Twitter account.

Police said the students and staff are safe and that the lock down was initiated "for precautionary reasons" following an incident at the high school.

The school reported on its website that the lockdown was due to a police incident in the neighbourhood.

"RCMP are into the preliminary stages of an investigation into possible threats at Pitt Meadows Secondary School," police said.

"A young male suspect, who is not a student, left the school grounds and it was felt to be necessary to lock the school down while police searched for the male. The student, who is a young offender, is now in police custody. Shortly after his arrest the school resumed normal activities."

The lockdown lasted less than an hour.

Pitt Meadows elementary on Harris Road was also locked down for a short time, according to parents.

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